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On one of the most frequented avenues in the core of Scotland's ancient city stands a monolith of construction framework.

For five years, Radisson's G&V Hotel on the intersection of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and a major bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, pedestrians are funneled through confined passages, and businesses have left the building.

Restoration efforts began in 2020 and was initially projected to last a short period, but now exasperated residents have been told the scaffolding could remain until 2027.

Further Delays

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "close to the conclusion" of 2026 before the first sections of the frame can be removed.

A local authority figure Jane Meagher has labeled it a "blight" on the area, while conservationists say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is happening with this seemingly endless project?

A Problematic Past

The 136-bedroom hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Projections from when it initially debuted under the Missoni Hotel banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Remedial efforts got underway soon after the start of the Covid pandemic with the hotel itself closed to guests since 2022.

A section of the street and a significant portion of pavement leading up to the intersection of the Royal Mile have been rendered unusable by the development.

Pedestrians going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been compelled one after another into a confined, sheltered corridor.

A dining establishment a well-known restaurant departed from the building and transferred to another city in 2024.

In a release, its management said the ongoing project had compelled them to alter the restaurant's facade, adding that "patrons merited more".

It is also hosts popular eatery a pizza restaurant – which has placed large signs on the framework to notify customers it is open for business.

Delayed Plans

An report to the a local authority committee in early this year stated that the process of "revealing" the façade would start in February, with a full removal by the year's end.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, pointing to "extremely complex" construction issues for the postponement.

"We project starting to take down portions of the scaffold near the finish of next year, with further improvements continuing thereafter," the company commented.

"We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we provide an better site for the community."

Local and Conservation Frustration

A conservation official, lead of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had added to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for urban works.

She said those associated with the project had a "civic responsibility" to minimise inconvenience and should incorporate the work into the city's aesthetic.

She said: "It causes the experience for those on foot in that part of town very hard.

"It is puzzling why there is not some attempt to bring it into the urban landscape or create something more creative and avant-garde."

Ongoing Efforts

A project spokesperson said work on "measures to aesthetically improve the site" was in progress.

They added: "We acknowledge the frustrations felt by nearby inhabitants and businesses.

"This constitutes a lengthy and protracted process, reflecting the complexity and size of the repair work required, however we are focused on finishing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the council would "keep applying pressure" on those responsible to finish the project.

She said: "This framework has been a blight for years, and I share the annoyance of residents and area enterprises over these persistent hold-ups.

"That said, I also appreciate that the firm has a responsibility to make the building safe and that this repair has proved to be extremely complicated."